“Bad Fat Brothers” & the “Better Fat Sisters”

Trans Fatty acids have been receiving the bulk of the media attention lately. Trans fatty acids were popular in convenience food items because it help food stay fresher longer, but we have found it not only raises our bad cholesterol- it lowers our good cholesterol too. In 2006, the American Heart Association recommended limiting trans fat to less than 1% of calories. (For a person consuming 1800-2000 calories per day that would equal only 2g of trans-fat or less). Labeling now requires Trans Fatty acids to be listed on the food label. Unfortunately now that trans fats are being removed from our favorite foods – food companies generally aren’t replacing it with healthy fats, but increasing the saturated fats. Saturated fat is a main dietary culprit in raising cholesterol. Saturated fat is found mainly in your animal foods and some tropical oils (Beef, lamb, pork, butter, milk, cheeses, coconut oil, palm oil). Be aware of both. Check out the Bad Fats Brothers Video from the American Heart Association:

Unsaturated Fats (Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated) are your good fats. They can lower blood cholesterol when used in place of saturated fats. (Corn, safflower, sunflower, canola & olive oils; nuts, avocados). So try little changes like sautéing your veggies in some olive oil instead of butter. Check out this video from the American Heart Association: